Nathaniel's Fate

The Sandman

Traces Nathaniel's entire life arc from childhood to death.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Childhood traumaChildhood trauma
The Scar of the Sandman The Nightmare Nathaniel's childhood was marked by the fear of the Sandman, who turned out to be Coppelius. The traumatic encounter with Coppelius left him with a high fever and a lifelong phobia. The Father's Death A year later, Coppelius returned and caused an explosion that killed Nathaniel's father. Nathaniel blamed Coppelius and vowed revenge. The Grief Nathaniel grew up with a deep sense of loss and a need to understand the dark forces he believed controlled his life.
Student life in G.Student life in G.
The Growing Darkness The First Encounter with Coppola Nathaniel encountered the barometer peddler, whom he recognized as Coppelius. This reawakened his trauma. The Looking-Glass He bought a looking-glass from Coppola, which led him to become obsessed with Olympia. The Alienation Nathaniel's relationship with Clara suffered. He became brooding and mystical, alienating his loved ones.
Love and madnessLove and madness
The Delusion The Idealization Nathaniel fell in love with Olympia, believing she was the perfect soulmate. He ignored all warnings. The Revelation His world shattered when he discovered Olympia was an automaton. The sight of her eyes triggered his complete mental breakdown. The Madness He was imprisoned in a madhouse, raving about wooden dolls and rings of fire.
Temporary recoveryTemporary recovery
The False Hope The Care Nathaniel woke at home, cared for by his mother, Clara, and Lothar. He seemed calm and grateful. The Plans The family planned to move to a country estate. Nathaniel appeared gentle and childlike. The Vulnerability Despite his recovery, the trauma remained. The looking-glass was still in his pocket, a seed of destruction.
SuicideSuicide
The Final Fall The Trigger On the tower, Nathaniel looked at Clara through the looking-glass. His madness returned. The Attack He tried to throw Clara off the tower but was stopped by Lothar. The Death He saw Coppelius below, screamed 'Eyes a pretty!' and jumped to his death. His skull smashed on the cobblestones.
When Nathaniel was ten
Nathaniel's university years
During his obsession with Olympia
After release from the madhouse
The tower incident